Former Kaduna State Governor and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a national emergency on insecurity, saying the country’s security challenges have reached an alarming level.
Makarfi also opposed any move to deregister political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that all parties that meet the requirements of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should be allowed to participate in the polls.
The former governor made the remarks on Sunday while speaking with journalists at his residence in Kaduna.
According to him, although Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 remains a major achievement, rising insecurity and economic hardship have diminished the gains of democracy.
“This is the longest period of uninterrupted democratic rule we have had in the country. In itself, that is an achievement. However, what democracy has delivered to the people is also a matter of concern,” he said.
Makarfi stressed that tackling insecurity should remain the government’s foremost priority, noting that improvements in security would positively impact the economy and other sectors.
“The reality is that on the ground, the security challenges are becoming wider. So, for me, rather than criticising, it is rather to advise.
“The President, working together with state governments, should declare a national emergency on security. Governance should change so that the number one, two and three priorities are security in all facets,” he stated.
He described the country’s security situation as critical, warning that it should no longer be treated as a normal governance challenge.
“You can’t be talking about rural electrification and so many other things when we have these security challenges. Government resources should be largely targeted at addressing insecurity,” he added.
The PDP chieftain called for stronger collaboration among the federal, state and local governments, as well as increased manpower, training, equipment and logistics for security agencies.
He also urged political leaders to refrain from politicising insecurity, stressing that the challenge affects all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation.
Speaking on the electoral process, Makarfi warned against any attempt to deregister political parties before the 2027 elections.
“I don’t support the deregistration of these political parties. Even if there is any legal reason, it has been left too late, and people will be right to read political meaning into it.
“My personal view is that no political party should be deregistered. All those who have complied with INEC’s published guidelines should be allowed to participate in the 2027 election,” he said.
He, however, urged political parties to comply with electoral laws and uphold internal democracy through credible congresses, conventions and primaries.
Commenting on the crisis within the PDP, Makarfi called for reconciliation among aggrieved members, saying unity and adherence to due process remain vital for the party’s survival.
“I am not a factional person; I am a PDP person. What I work for is PDP. The issue is not about any individual; it is about what the law says and what INEC recognises.
“Right from the beginning, some of us promoted a give-and-take approach to avoid a crisis. My position has not changed. Reconciliation remains the way out,” he said.
Despite the internal challenges facing the party, Makarfi expressed optimism about its future.
“Absolutely, PDP has a future. Among all the political parties, I think the PDP, because it is deep-rooted and not built around any individual, has a brighter future,” he added.
The former governor, who will turn 70 in August, also ruled out seeking elective office again, saying he would rather support younger leaders to take up leadership positions.
“I don’t belong to the class of people who believe that it must always be them. I’ll be satisfied contributing in any way I can while more vibrant younger people are given the chance to lead,” he said.
